PROJECTS ABROAD EXPANDS SUMMER VOLUNTEER OFFERINGS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

High School Students Now Have Even More Volunteer Opportunities In Countries Around the World

A Projects Abroad Volunteer plays with children on the Care & Community Project in Ghana.

NEW YORK – March 29, 2011 - High school students looking to swap the typical lifeguarding, babysitting or retail summer job for something more adventurous and philanthropic this summer should sign up for a service trip with Projects Abroad. Projects Abroad, a global leader in international volunteer programs with projects in 27 countries, is offering high school students from around the world the opportunity to work on projects such as uncovering ancient Incan settlements in Peru or caring for orphans in Nepal. By contributing their time and skills toward communities in developing countries, students can make a lasting impression on others, all while gaining an invaluable and memorable experience.

Full-time students ages 16-19 can participate in Projects Abroad’s specially-designed two-week volunteer projects, which incorporate fulltime work with a fun half-point weekend excursion, so students can have an enjoyable time abroad while helping to make a real difference in their host communities. Students will work with their peers on projects such as teaching, handling research and observational work and participating in evening activities like dance lessons or speaking the native language with locals.

“Students who volunteer with Projects Abroad are able to contribute to developing communities and enhance their college application,” said Projects Abroad’s Vice President, Thomas Pastorius, Jr. “Our summer programs allow high school students to experience a healthy balance of volunteering and sightseeing, which gives them a well-rounded view of another culture.”

Inca Project & Archaeology in Peru (June 12-25; July 3-16; July 24-Aug. 6; Aug.14-27) Volunteers arrive in the Inca’s Sacred Valley of Peru to work outdoors and are surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Andes Mountains. Volunteers help with archaeological activities and community work. They will also collaborate with the Peruvian Historical Institute by uncovering and clearing Inca terraces and buildings. Volunteers will also assist with work around the volunteer house and will run community projects in the local area. The weekend excursion involves a trip to see Machu Picchu and other world-renown sites.

Care & Community in Nepal (June 19-July 2; July 10-23; July 31-Aug.13)Volunteers participating in the Care & Community Project in Nepal will work in the Kathmandu Valley – an area rich in ancient temples, culture and tradition. During this project, volunteers spend two weeks in an orphanage or local school, playing with children and helping to renovate and decorate the buildings. The weekend may include visiting the central markets and local temples of Kathmandu or exploring the hills around the city via mountain bike. Some volunteers can take a trip to vast nature reserve in Chitwan National Park.

Diving & Marine Conservation in Thailand (July 3-16; July 17-30) Volunteers on the Diving & Marine Conservation Project in Thailand are based in town of Ao Nang and partake in a four-day open water course to qualify for the project. Volunteers will become familiar with how to breathe, clear a mask, equalize pressure, and learn the “buddy system” and underwater sign language. Once qualified, participants will experience a stunning underwater world of tropical fish, turtles, sea urchins and corals. By observing and analyzing certain reef damage and fish populations, volunteers play an important role in conserving the ecosystem. Volunteers also help with a beach clean-up and take part in some mangrove reforestation work.

Volunteers can choose from a wide array of summer projects including those above, plus Building, Culture & Community, Journalism & Photography, Law & Human Rights, Leadership, Medicine & Healthcare and Sports. Select projects may include escorted flights from New York – JFK with a Projects Abroad staff member; volunteers interested in joining can visit the website for information.

About Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad was founded in 1992 by Dr. Peter Slowe, a geography professor, as a program for students to travel and work while on break from full-time study. The program had its genesis in post-USSR Romania, where students were given the chance to teach conversational English. After a few years just sending volunteers to Eastern Europe for teaching, the company expanded to sending volunteers of all ages around the world on a wide range of projects.

Projects Abroad is a global leader in short-term international volunteer programs with projects in 27 countries and recruitment offices in the UK, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Holland, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden and the United States.

This press release includes references to working in or with orphanages. Find out more about Projects Abroad's current approach to volunteering in orphanages and our focus on community-based care for children.